Water usage in Okotoks was lower this summer than the two prior.
At their October 28 meeting, Okotoks Town Council was presented a report showing water usage from summer 2024 compared to the last two summers.
Alberta started 2024 with concerns over drought conditions, with the provincial government and many municipal governments taking measures to prepare for drought-based emergencies.
As the summer drew closer, explains the report, an increase in snowpack levels and much-needed precipitation averted the extreme conditions that were anticipated.
Even so, Okotokians did their part to reduce water usage levels, remaining in Stage 1 of the Town's water conservation stages all summer.
Total demand between May and September was down compared to the last two years, with 1,342,239 cubic metres used in that timespan.
That's a decrease of nearly 10 per cent compared to 2022, and just over seven per cent compared to 2023.
Council was also provided with charts comparing usage on designated outdoor watering days, three-day max consumption, and single-day consumption, which all saw a decrease this year.
There were a few factors believed to have contributed to the decrease, though it's difficult to pinpoint the margin in which each one did.
Those factors include the updated outdoor watering schedule and a public communications strategy.
There were also increased leak detection efforts from the Town's Water Operations department which saw seven service line leaks identified and repaired between June and October.
During the meeting, it was also noted that the Calgary water main break may have contributed to Okotoks' reduced water use, despite the fact that Okotoks' water services were unaffected during that time.
The report and council meeting can be seen on the Town of Okotoks website.